About this project

blink(1) mk2 is an updated version of the blink(1) super status light. The original blink(1) made it easy to connect any data source in the cloud or on your computer to a full-color RGB LED so you can know what's happening without checking any windows, going to any websites or typing any commands. blink(1) mk2 maintains backward-compatibility while adding better functionality and great new features.

BLINK1 MK2 IMPROVEMENTS

First, blink(1) mk2 uses a more powerful microcontroller that works on more USB systems. This includes compatibility with the latest USB 3.0 systems.

Brighter with Dual RGB LEDs!

We’ve also added a second RGB LED. Not only does this make it twice as bright, but it means we can make the design symmetric. Light comes out both sides so you’ll always be able to see your notifications. We’re redesigning the enclosure to take advantage of this aspect and we think it’s looking really cool.

two leds, top and bottom

Individually-controllable LEDs!

The LEDs are both RGB and individually controllable. [footage - cu blink1 led1, led2] This is like having two blink(1)s in one package, and it’s great for when you want a visual indicator for others and one for yourself. Like a “busy” indicator for your coworkers and a “new mail” indicator for you. It’s also great for making cool color patterns.

use blink(1) mk2 in the office as a "busy"/"available" indicator

To take advantage of this new feature, we’re updating and redesigning the Blink1Control app. We’re also making the app work better with IFTTT. Both the blink(1) mk2 and the original blink(1) will work with this app, in case you have both.

New Blink1Control app with improved IFTTT support!

We've learned a lot about how people are using their blink(1)s and we're creating an updated Blink1Control app that's easier to use and more powerful. It extends the current blink(1) functionality with IFTTT to support the blink(1) mk2's new features and works on more systems than the current app.

Some of the IFTTT recipes for blink(1)

screenshot of early blink1control mk2 concept

But with all these changes, blink(1) mk2 is backwards compatible with all existing blink(1) code and examples.

DESIGN

In the original blink(1) we wanted it to feel substantial, to feel good in the hand, yet allow maximum light output. We wanted to explore making an enclosure made of metal and translucent plastic.

metal frame with neat wrap-around translucent cover

For blink(1) mk2, we are again mixing metal and plastic, but we’re also redesigning the enclosure to take advantage of the dual RGB LEDs. We’ve come up with a design that is simple and goes together without extra fasteners or adhesives. This simple design is very strong yet you can take it apart if you want to hack your blink(1) mk2 into your own projects.

OPEN SOURCE HARDWARE

We love open source and blink(1) has been open source from its very beginning. You can see all the source code and design files for the original blink(1) on the ThingM blink(1) github and as we finish blink(1) mk2 we'll be putting those files up there too.

If you are a developer, hacker, or like to poke around on the command-line, there is an API for you. So far, we have blink(1) APIs in:

C / C++ / Objective-C / Qt

Java / Processing

.NET

Node.js

Python

Ruby

Go

And people have created blink(1) plugins in monitoring services like Jenkins and Mule ESB.

But of course, many others have simply used the blink1-tool command-line application to control their application. This application (as well as many of the libraries) are extremely portable and shown to work on:

Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8

Mac OS X

Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)

Raspberry Pi

Beaglebone / BeagleBoard

DD-WRT routers

Chromebooks running Linux

and just about anything else with a USB port!

And we try to help people who want to get blink(1) working on new devices.

MANUFACTURING PLAN

We are ready to go into production now, but we need your help. We have a production-ready hardware design and finished firmware that's been in beta test for several weeks. We have an enclosure design ready to go into the design for manufacturing (DFM) tuning phase.

During the Kickstarter we will be getting quotes from our existing manufacturers and potential new ones. We will also be contracting as soon as possible with a company to help us with enclosure DFM.

Your funds will be used to pay for tooling as well as for our batch manufacturing. These tooling costs cover not only the molds for the enclosure, but also the NRE (non-recurring engineering) expenses of setting up a new PCB manufacturing run.

On the application side, we have hired an outside software development team who specializes in cross-platform applications to help us create the new Blink1Control app. They are currently working on the first iteration of that new app and we'll be sharing the growth of it with backers so it becomes a tool people love.

And to make sure our international backers get a good experience, we will be looking to hire a fulfillment house that specializes in international shipping.

THANK YOU!

We're really excited about the new blink(1) mk2 and we can't wait to share it with others.

Risks and challenges

ThingM has produced thousands of LED products over the last several years and we've had good success with the original blink(1). We understand the costs of producing electronics at Kickstarter quantities. However, even though we have contingencies in place, we can be affected by delays in manufacturing outside of our control.

Our biggest challenge is that we are relatively inexperienced in retail enclosure design and packaging. We have done this a few times before and have contracted experts in DFM (design for manufacturing) to help us tune our design. We feel confident we can deliver, but there is always the possibility that any additional design iterations could add delay and manufacturing cost.

Finally, while we will make a best attempt to ship to non-US addresses, our previous experience has shown that some shipments will be delayed or kept at customs, outside of our control. We will be investigating international fulfillment houses to minimize this issue.

Pledge $160 or more

15 backers

Progress Bar 6-Pack. Turn any USB hub into a six-element progress bar or signal-strength icon. Or make two traffic lights! Includes SIX blink(1) mk2 USB LEDs and six USB extender cables. Free shipping to USA.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

Pledge $270 or more

33 backers

Tower of Light Pack. Make a table lamp with blink(1)s! Or make each one represent a different service you need to watch. Includes TEN blink(1) mk2 USB LEDs, one powered 10-port USB hub and USB extender cables. Free shipping to USA.

Estimated delivery:Oct 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

Funding period

Jul 19, 2013 - Aug 24, 2013
(36 days)

Eureka! You've found our little secret.

Sign up for our Happening email for all the inside info about arts and culture in the Kickstarter universe and beyond.